Germany to cut payments to Ukrainian refugees: details on changes revealed

The German government has decided to reduce payments to refugees from Ukraine, and the corresponding draft law on social assistance reform will be approved this week, according to Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.

Source: European Pravda, citing the minister's interview with DW

Details: Dobrindt said that they had agreed on a change to the legal framework and noted that the agreement had already been coordinated between the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of the Interior. He added that it would also be approved at the federal government meeting that week and would apply retrospectively from 1 April of that year.

According to Dobrindt, the changes mean that newly arrived Ukrainians will no longer receive citizen's income (Bürgergeld) but will instead move to the system of payments under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz).

In addition, Ukrainians arriving in Germany will be required to make efforts to find employment.

Dobrindt explained that if no effort was made to seek employment in Germany, further cuts in payments would follow.

The authorities will also conduct checks on personal assets, meaning that only those without their own resources will be eligible for social benefits.

Dobrindt added that if assets existed, they had to be used before assistance was provided to asylum seekers.

Background:

• Earlier media reports stated that Ukrainians arriving in Germany after 1 April 2025 will no longer receive Bürgergeld, the support provided to jobseekers or those whose income is insufficient for self-sufficiency.
• Currently, 1.1 million Ukrainians live in Germany. They receive €563 per month in basic assistance (for single adults). The state also covers housing, heating, and other costs.
• By contrast, the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act provides €196 for personal needs and €245 for basic expenses (food, clothing), totalling €441 per month.
• One study indicates that more than half of Ukrainians with temporary protection status are not very satisfied with life in Germany.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!